FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the University of Delaware Athletic Fund (UDAF)?

A. The University of Delaware Athletic Fund (UDAF) is unrestricted fund for Delaware Athletics. Gifts to the UDAF support all 21 varsity programs at UD. Annual support to the UDAF supports the department and team operating budgets for recruiting, team travel, training and equipment.

Q. Why are annual fund gifts so important to Delaware Athletics?

A. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, so does the challenge of competing. Delaware Athletics is a 21-sport program with more than 600 student-athletes, and an annual scholarship cost of $10 million. Delaware Athletics’ $30 million operating budget is limited for an athletics program of this size. The ability to fund a competitive athletics program on season ticket and concessions revenues alone is simply insufficient. Hence, Delaware Athletics must increase its base of support as well as its annual revenue.

BLUE HENS CLUB

Q. What is the Blue Hens Club?

A. The Blue Hens Club, is the Annual Fund for UD Athletics. Support from Blue Hens Club members is used to provide scholarships, academic counseling, sports medicine, equipment and travel which are the components of a great student-athlete experience. Through membership in the Blue Hens Club, you are invited to experience our exciting club levels and associated benefits (see Blue Hens Club benefits chart).

BLUE HEN PRIORITY POINT SYSTEM

Q. What is the Blue Hen Priority Point System?

A. The Blue Hens Club priority point system is designed to appropriately reward Delaware Athletic donors and ticket holders for their financial support and season ticket purchases. Components of the point system includes: annual contribution to athletics, past giving to athletics, past giving to non-athletic entities within the University (pre June 30, 2008), season ticket holder, multiple sport season ticket holder (football/men’s & women’s basketball) and post-season ticket holder. For additional information on the Priority Point System, please visit www.udaf.udel.edu.

Q. Why is the Priority Point System so important to Delaware Athletics?

A. Prior to the creation of the Blue Hens Club for annual giving, parking and seating were based upon seniority alone. With the creation of the Blue Hens Club, and the Priority Point System, Delaware Athletics is now able to provide an equitable system able to acknowledge both contributors and long-time season ticket holders to UD Athletics. Those with seniority will continue to receive credit for this standing, but the Priority Point System allows UD Athletics to acknowledge annual support as a significant factor in priority parking and seating allocations. Going forward, the priority point system is more defined, equitable and will allow the athletics’ program to reward our fans on past, present and future support to UD Athletics thus providing the athletics department the ability to grow and to achieve the goals.

Q. How are priority points used?

A. The priority point system is utilized to determine the priority of seat upgrade requests, assign newly purchased seats and football parking permits, assign away game and post-season game tickets and other benefits. The deadline for annual contributions to receive priority points is April 30 of each calendar year.

PARKING

Q. How will the Priority Point System affect parking?

A. Parking assignments and allocations will be based upon Priority Point calculations. For the opportunity to purchase one Reserved VIP Bumper, a minimum donation of $1,000 (Coach’s Circle Silver) to the Blue Hens Club is required. Other non-bumper locations will also be selected and assigned based upon Priority Points.

Q. Can I request a parking space beside fellow UD fans?

A. Parking locations will be determined, assigned, and selected according to Priority Points. If you wish to be assigned parking next to a fellow Blue Hen, assignment will be based upon the lowest Priority Point totals.

Q. If I choose not to contribute to the Blue Hen Club annually, can I still purchase Parking?

A. The opportunity to purchase Parking is based upon priority and availability. In order to better ensure the opportunity for a Parking space, an annual contribution to the Blue Hens Club is highly recommended.

Q. How often will parking for Football be reassigned?

A. Football parking will be reassigned on an annual basis to provide those who have contributed to the Blue Hen Club with the opportunity to receive parking.

SEASON TICKETS

Q. I’ve been a season ticket holder for a number of years, but have never contributed to UD Athletics. Why should I contribute now?

A. Making a gift to the Blue Hens Club provides critical funds for the athletics program. If Delaware is to remain competitive, it can no longer rely on the support of a select few. Season ticket purchases and concession sales have become insufficient in covering the costs of an athletics program. In addition, parking and seating locations will be assigned to all who contribute before any non-donors to Athletics.

Q. How will the Priority Point System affect seating for Football and Basketball?

A. This system is utilized to determine the priority of seat upgrade requests, assign newly purchased seats and assign away game and post-season game tickets.

Q. To what extent will the Priority Point System assist me in obtaining away-game and post-season tickets?

A. The opportunity to purchase away-game and post-season tickets will be based upon the Priority Point System and availability.

PRIORITY POINT TOTALS

Q. How can I improve my Priority Point total?

A. An increase in your annual fund contribution will increase your Points total. The deadline for annual gifts to count towards the Priority Point System is April 30 of each calendar year.

A. Unfortunately, UD Athletics is unable to accommodate any Priority Point transfers.

Q. How often will UDAF club levels, benefits and policies change?

A. UDAF will continue to evolve to meet the ever-changing financial needs and challenges facing intercollegiate athletics. UDAF will review club levels, benefits and policies annually to ensure a system of equity in assignment of parking and seating.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Q. Are contributions tax deductible?

A. Your gift is tax deductible as provided by law. Any portion of your gift that is designated to Athletics and gives you the right to purchase priority seating and/or parking at an athletic event is subject to IRS rules (IRC 170(I) and IRS Publicaton (526) which limits the tax deductible portion of that gift to 80 percent of the amount contributed. Please consult your tax advisor.

Q. Do non-athletic contributions count in the Priority Point System?

A. Contributions made to any area within the University outside of Athletics (up to and including June 30, 2008) will receive points for a one-time cumulative gift total. This total will be maintained provided a minimum donation to the Blue Hens Club is made each year. The one-time gift total will be lost if there is a lapse in Athletic giving. As of July 1, 2008, only gifts to Athletics and the one-time cumulative gift total for non-athletic gifts will count in the Priority Point System.

Q. How will my contributions to Athletics affect my Delaware Diamonds Society status within the University?

A. The levels within the Blue Hens Club of Coach’s Circle Silver and above will directly correlate to the Delaware Diamonds Society levels and donors will receive the additional benefits associated with being a Delaware Diamonds Society member. However, to receive the benefits of the Blue Hens Club, you must be a donor to Athletics.

Q. What is the timeline for contributing to the Blue Hens Club in order to have the opportunity to purchase priority parking for Football?

A. Timeline dates for Blue Hens Club contributions and Priority Point eligibility will directly correspond with the annual Football season ticket renewal date (April 30 of each calendar year).

Q. My company has a matching gift program. Can a company’s matching gift be counted in my Priority Points total?

A. Yes. Many companies provide a matching gift program as a benefit to encourage their employees to make charitable donations. Upon making this donation, the company will “match” the employee’s original gift; the amount or percentage varies per company. To determine if you are eligible to make a matching gift and to receive a matching gift form, please check with your employer.

Note: Matching gifts cannot be processed for companies that prohibit gifts to athletics.

Q. How can I contribute to UDAF?

A. Please contact our office by phone at 302-831-6276, or you may make your gift online at www.udaf.udel.edu. Your gift to UD Athletics can be made in a variety of ways: Cash/check, stock, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS or American Express). Please note donations made through third parties, i.e. United Way, may not be eligible for benefits based on the outside organization’s specific policies. Please confirm the policy with the third party organization that you donate through before submitting the donation in order to ensure we will be allowed to provide benefits if that is the intent of your gift at this time.

Q: Who shall I make my check payable to?

A: All checks should be made payable to “University of Delaware Athletic Fund”. Your gift of unrestricted annual support will automatically enroll you as a member of the Blue Hens Club.

Q. Can contributions to the Blue Hens Club be made on a monthly basis?

A. Contributions can be made to Athletics via automatic monthly debit via a checking account, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/NOVUS or American Express by calling (302) 831-6276.

Q. I play in/support athletic fundraising events such as the Rich Gannon Golf Classic and the Mary Ann Hitchen’s Golf event. Does my entry fee or sponsorship count as a donation to UDAF and the Priority Point System?

A. Donations to or sponsorship of a fundraising event such as a golf outing is valued as the entry fee minus value of the gift and services received. Auction items do not count as a donation to the Blue Hens Club or toward Priority Points.

Q. How many donors exist at each Club Level??

A: Donors at each of the Blue Hen Club Levels for Fiscal Year 2010 are as follows: